Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS to Approach Earth This Friday: What You Need to Know
World
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will pass closest to Earth on December 19, giving astronomers a chance to better study this mysterious visitor before leaving the Solar System forever.
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, which has captured the imagination of people around the world, will make its closest approach to Earth on Friday, December 19, giving astronomers a brief window to observe this rare visitor from another galaxy.
3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed interstellar object, will come no closer to Earth than 269 million kilometers, almost twice the average distance between Earth and the Sun, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).
Scientists say that as it passes through the inner Solar System, it poses no danger to Earth or other planets.
First spotted on July 1 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, the comet's unusual characteristics and trajectory sparked internet hype and numerous theories, including that it was sent by aliens.
3I/ATLAS, the third confirmed interstellar object, will come no closer to Earth than 269 million kilometers, almost twice the average distance between Earth and the Sun, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).
Scientists say that as it passes through the inner Solar System, it poses no danger to Earth or other planets.
First spotted on July 1 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, the comet's unusual characteristics and trajectory sparked internet hype and numerous theories, including that it was sent by aliens.
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